Demos Goes After Altschuler In ‘Winner’ Ad (Updated)

Things have taken in ugly turn in the NY-1 GOP primary as George Demos released a TV ad attacking Randy Altschuler, noting Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop managed to defeat the businessman by highlighting the outsourcing past of his former company and warning that he’ll do it again this fall.

“An outsourcer like Randy Altschuler can’t win,” the ad declares. “This time nominate George Demos, a proud conservative Republican. He’s a winner, not a loser.”

The ad is running on cable channels on Long Island. The buy, according to Demos’ campaign, is about $100,000.

Unlike in 2010, when Republicans and Conservatives were deeply divided over who should challenge Bishop, both parties have united behind Altschuler this time around. Two years ago, Altschuler, who largely self-funded his campaign, defeated Demos and Chris Cox (son of state GOP Chairman Ed Cox) in the primary, and then went on to lose in a tight general election to Bishop.

Demos clearly thinks going negative is the only shot he has at taking Altschuler down a few pegs prior to the June 26 primary.

At issue is Altschuler’s company, Office Tiger, which, in his own words, was “earliest companies providing high-end outsourcing services in India to major American and European companies.” The company was acquired by RR Donnelley in March 2006 an all-cash deal reportedly worth $250 million.

According to the first quarter FEC filings, Demos has $221,615 on hand, Altschuler has $775,357 and $500,000 in debt. Bishop is winning the fundraising race with $1.2 million.

UPDATE: Altschuler’s campaign is accusing Demos of “misleading voters” by using Bishop’s doctored footage of an Altschuler interview in his ad.

In the Demos ad, Altschuler is shown bragging about how Office Tiger “is really about Sri Lanka and the Philippines; wherever we can find the best talent.” According to Altschuler’s campaign, the unedited footage from the “Office Tigers” documentary shows Altschuler saying the company “is really about Sri Lanka and the Philippines; Salt Lake City; wherever we can find the best talent.”

Altschuler’s campaign says Office Tiger was New York based and created 750 American jobs – including 250 in this very state – and the rest in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Salt Lake City. Jobs were also created overseas in Asia and Europe, as well. Since Altschumer sold Office Tiger, he has formed a new company, CloudBlue, which the campaign says has created hundreds of American jobs.